Comyn Kelleher Tobin appoints Patrice O’Keeffe as new Managing Partner as firm reports significant growth

• Former Managing Partner, Deborah Moore, who led the practice through a period of significant growth, doubling in size, has transitioned into the role of Chairperson. 

• Litigator, Grace Toher, appointed as Partner. 

Comyn Kelleher Tobin (CKT), a leading Irish law firm ranked in the top 25, has appointed Patrice O’Keeffe as its new Managing Partner, succeeding Deborah Moore who successfully led the practice for 16 years. Deborah will now take on the position of Chairperson at the firm.  

This announcement marks a new chapter for CKT, which has experienced substantial expansion across its offices in Cork and Dublin, increasing the number of practising solicitors by 85% and more than doubling the number of partners since 2015.  

CKT has also appointed litigator, Grace Toher as partner and Kevin Healy has been promoted to Senior Associate on the healthcare team. These appointments, coupled with the appointment of Eamon Harrington, CKT partner, to the prestigious role of President of the Law Society for 2025, makes it a significant and exciting year for CKT.  

Deborah Moore, Chairperson of CKT said: “We are delighted to announce Patrice as Managing Partner at CKT. From day one, Patrice has shown immense leadership qualities and understood our unique approach to client service. She has been a driving force in our growth, making her the ideal person to lead us into the next phase of our journey. We look forward to a future of continued success and strategic growth with Patrice at the helm.”  

Patrice will oversee the firm’s strategic direction, financial performance and overall management of the practice. She began her career at CKT in 2004, becoming a partner of the firm in 2014. Patrice is ranked as a Leading lawyer by Chambers and Partners in Dispute Resolution – Healthcare Litigation. 

Commenting on her appointment Patrice O’Keeffe said: “My professional journey began 20 years ago in CKT and it is a proud moment for me to step into the role of Managing Partner.   The strength of CKT is our team, and to lead them into the next phase of our practice is a huge honour for me. 

I want to acknowledge the contribution Deborah Moore has made to CKT. Under Deborah’s stewardship, our firm has continued to thrive, and I am committed to building on that success with our exceptional team. I look forward to her continued influence as Chairperson. It is also a pleasure to announce the appointments of Grace Toher as Partner and the promotion of Kevin Healy to Senior Associate – a well-deserved recognition of their dedication, expertise, and significant contributions to our  team.  Both have played a key role in shaping our firm’s growth and vision for the future, and I look forward to working alongside them in their new roles”. 

CKT has built a strong reputation for providing strategic advisory services across key industries, including healthcare, insurance, commercial, employment and property law. The firm represents several public and private sector organisations, such as the Health Service Executive, State Claims Agency, Tusla and Transport Infrastructure Ireland alongside national and international insurers, banks, developers and businesses.